What Are the Most Comfortable Walking Shoes?

Whether you're a dedicated hiker, a casual stroller, or want to increase your step count for a healthier lifestyle, having the most comfortable walking shoes make all the difference.

With the right shoes for walking, you'll feel comfortable and able to focus on reaching your goals. With the wrong shoes, you'll feel uncomfortable, distracted, and at higher risk of injury. Finding the right shoes is a no-brainer. How can you make sure you're buying comfortable walking shoes?

What Makes the Most Comfortable Walking Shoes?

There's no one right answer to this question. The most comfortable walking shoes for you may not be comfortable for someone else. However, shoes specifically designed for walking or hiking will generally provide a good level of comfort. 

While comfort is subjective, several features generally make shoes ideal for walking:

• Cushioned Midsoles: Shoes with maximum cushioning help absorb impact and reduce strain on your joints.

• Zero Drop Design: Encourages a natural foot position for improved balance.

• FootShape™ Toe Box: Allows toes to spread naturally, enhancing comfort.

• Breathable Uppers: Keep your feet cool and dry, especially during long walks.

• Durable Outsoles: Offer traction and stability on various surfaces.

What are the best walking shoes for women?

The most comfortable walking shoes begin with finding a pair that works for your needs. Are you planning on increasing your step count by walking around the city? Look for women's walking shoes designed for road running and walking. If you're planning on clocking up some serious mileage, look for walking shoes with maximum cushioning for extra comfort. 

If you're more interested in tackling trails and tricky terrain, try women's hiking shoes. These provide the grip and ankle support you need in the most comfortable shoes for walking. If you're hiking in hot weather, keep an eye out for walking shoes with breathable uppers to keep your feet feeling fresh.

What are the best walking shoes for men?

The best walking shoes for men will depend on your comfort preferences, as well as the activity you have in mind. For walks on concrete sidewalks and flat surfaces, men's walking shoes and sneakers usually provide the level of protection and comfort you need. The most comfortable walking shoes will have light yet plush midsoles, zero drop, and a roomy toe box.

For hikes and off-road adventures, look for men's hiking shoes with sturdy lug patterns on the outsoles for better traction. If you like tackling tricky terrain or are prone to ankle injuries, look for higher-cut hiking boots for extra support. You can also find shoes with maximum cushioning.

Tips for Finding Comfortable Walking Shoes

Finding the best walking shoes for women and men is a game of preference. Now that you know what type of shoes to go for, let's take a look at how to choose the most comfortable walking shoes.

1. Try them on (indoors)

Whether you go into a store or order online, try the shoes on and walk around in them to get a good feel for the shape and support. For an accurate assessment, make sure you choose the right type of socks for men and women.

2. Touch your toes

The most comfortable walking shoes will keep your toes secure while also giving you a little bit of wiggle room. To test if you have enough space, check the area between the tip of your big toe and the front of the boot. There should be enough room for a finger's width between the two.

3. Keep your heel snug

Too much space around the heel leads to rubbing, which leads to blisters. To avoid this, make sure your walking shoes fit snugly around the heel. It shouldn't feel tight or painful, but it should be snug enough that your heel doesn't move around as you walk.

4. Check the width

Your entire foot should fit within the confines of the sole. If your feet are spilling out over the edges and pressing up against the material on the sides of your shoe, you need to look for shoes with a wider fit.

5. Get the right support

The most comfortable walking shoes will be the ones that give you the right level of support. Shoes that don't provide you with the right support might not hurt straight away, but it will become increasingly obvious as you cover some distance.

Generally, shoes with a low to zero heel-to-toe drop and flat soles (as opposed to rockered soles) provide the right level of support for walkers. Shoes with maximum cushioning or flat shoes feel differently on everyone. Experimenting with the level of support in shoes can help to find the best walking shoes for women and men.

Find Your Ideal Pair Of Walking Shoes Online Now

No matter what you’re looking for, our wide selection of shoes and apparel for men and women can help you find the most comfortable walking shoes. If you don’t know where to start, our Shoe Finder tool can help you find the most comfortable shoes for you. Simply answer a few questions so that we can get a better idea of what shoes you’re looking for. Narrow down your ideal shoe by activity, feature, and lifestyle. 

If you would prefer to try our walking shoes in-store, where you can get advice from our friendly experts, use our handy store locator to find an Altra Running store near you.